Cotabato City, December 16, 2024 – Strengthening their partnership for environmental sustainability, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 through  PENRO Cotabato and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) coordinated efforts for the proposed turnover of National Greening Program (NGP) plantation areas.

The meeting, held at MENRE’s Cotabato City office, discussed the turnover of 2,050 hectares of NGP plantations established from 2012 to 2018. These areas span 63 barangays across four municipalities in Cotabato Province, now part of BARMM’s Special Geographic Area (SGA), in line with Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “This partnership showcases our shared commitment to environmental sustainability and the welfare of Bangsamoro communities. Together, we aim to build a greener and more resilient Bangsamoro region.”

Echoing this, Engr. Mama G. Samaon, DENR 12 Assistant Regional Director, affirmed DENR’s support for BARMM’s initiatives, saying, “This coordination marks another step toward stronger cooperation between DENR and MENRE in pursuing shared environmental goals.”

Key officials present included MENRE Director General Atty. Badr Salendab, PENR Officer Radzak B. Sinarimbo, CENR Officer Shirley P. Uy, and Forester Mosa Dimaampao, PhD, Chief of PENRO Cotabato’s Technical Services Division, along with other key officials and partners.

The event underscores a milestone in fostering environmental stewardship, paving the way for sustainable management of reforested areas in BARMM’s SGA and ensuring that these resources benefit future generations.